Why Steel

Design Flexibility

Structural steel can successfully accomplish any design the architect and structural engineer can imagine--from a simple, functional structure to a complex, visually stunning masterpiece

Structural steel framing systems can bring the architect's vision to life while addressing complex structural challenges. Steel can make floors float, walls disappear and natural light flow into interior spaces. The light and airy feel that structural steel can convey is almost magical, and its inherent design flexibility is limitless. Whether it is a curved slab edge, an unencumbered column-free space or a heavily loaded equipment room, steel can provide an elegant and cost-effective solution. No other framing material comes close to structural steel's ability to encourage freedom of expression and design creativity.

Project Case Studies

Taking Things in a New Direction - Creative collaboration and framing flexibility allow a university hospital project to successfully take on a major programmatic change well into the construction phase

The Elevated Cube - An 11-story cube of shimmering glass will soon float over the streets of downtown Los Angeles--and it isn't a Hollywood special effect

Top Heavy - A simple skylight retrofit in a Manhattan high-rise becomes a complete roof overhaul.

Every Which Way - A 19-section roof in Vegas contains more than 16,000 steel members and no right angles.

Still need help?

The Steel Solutions Center is for people who need technical assistance, innovative solutions, or tools to make structural steel design even easier.